scroll saw / bandsaw

[harvey b davison]

Hi all

I'm wanting to get a either a small bandsaw or a scroll saw, but dont know which to go for.

 

First off it has to be cheap, so i'm basically looking at machine mart/ scewfix etc. I'm just looking at bench top models as space is short and its going to be used as a experiment and voyeur in small craft making.

 

Secondly its going to be used for making small decorations, name plates, clock faces, templates etc.

 

I was thinking at first to get a scroll saw, for the tight curves etc. But, would a small tabletop bandsaw also be able to do the tight curves and also give me the chance to cut thin material in a straight line without me having to get my table saw out which is overkill for small thin material.

 

I know we all say avoid the cheap stuff but sometimes we have no option, so please dont tell me to get a big workshop machine as that option is a total non starter.

 

So, opinions please. Thanks.

[se7enthdevil]

for what you are looking to make i would go for the scroll saw.

 

you will soon find out if this is not the right tool and can then add a bandsaw if you need it.

[Logrod]

A scroll saw sounds the better option to me as well. Also a small band saw can be a real disappointment particularly if you want to use it to cut straight edges and you would probably find yourself wanting to upgrade, whereas a scrollsaw is well a scrollsaw

[delabodge]

Small bandsaws arnt made for ripping or cutting straight lines, I have a very small jet one which I soley use for cutting the ends off my turnings.and I keep my big felder one with a course blade for ripping down, so in truth a scroll saw is great for xmas decorations,small puzzles,and some you can put a small section of bandsaw blade in which adds too its diversity,,,all depends what you plan on making!

[harvey b davison]

Cheers for the replies guys. I'm going to go with a scroll saw. Just weighing up which one, have got about £100 for one. I am fancying a clarke one from machinemart at the moment. Also just been looking at the pyrography threads,so might get a kit to try that as well, or a get a flexi drive for the dremel and try that.

[Logrod]

For what it's worth I find pyrography easier to do lettering with than a dremel as the iron doesn't want to whizz off on it's own.

[njmusk]

If you are going to get a pyrogragh thingy do not buy one of them cheap £30 things that look like a soldering iron, I invested in a peter childs one in the end far more superior.

[gobbypunk]

Hi Loglord I was having just that with m dremal until I got a router attatchment for it only cheep and what a diffrence why not give one a go

Cheers Mark

[Logrod]

Can you tell me more about the attachment Mark? Where did you get it?

[harvey b davison]

My latest toy. I decided to go with machine mart, as it suited my budget, ease of buying etc. Not used it yet, but looking forward to trying it out. Can anyone recommend some good books for patterns etc. Cheers.